Air France-KLM win over doubters on Alitalia bid

17 December 2007

Air France-KLM is winning over politicians and trade unionists who have doubts about its plan to take control of Alitalia SpA and who favour a rival offer from Italy’s AP Holding SpA, which owns Air One airline, said La Stampa. Alitalia’s board is due to meet tomorrow to make its recommendation on who should acquire the Italian state’s 49.9 pct stake in Alitalia and invest further funds in turning around the airline.

‘A new plan from Air France is welcome if it does not punish Malpensa’ airport in Milan, said Lombardy regional president Roberto Formigoni, cited in La Stampa newspaper.

Last week, Formigoni criticised Air France’s plan for downsizing Alitalia operations at Malpensa after meeting Air France chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta.

La Stampa cited trade union supporters of Air One saying they are open to a non-Italian privatisation of Alitalia.